Georgetown County passes filming laws

2013-10-16T05:01:34Z2013-10-23T00:24:05Z

GEORGETOWN COUNTY, SC (WMBF) - Georgetown County Council Members unanimously voted to law an ordinance that would strictly regulate filming in the county.

The proposed law came after a reality show filmed in a rented Murrells Inlet home for several weeks over the summer. Several residents voiced outrage at the behavior they said some of the cast members portrayed. At the time of filming, the county said there was nothing that could be done to prevent filming.

Now that this law has passed, the county will be able to enforce stricter rules.

"The community wasn't real happy with not only the theme but the commotion and the trouble, the intrusion it caused in our residential neighborhood," Murrells Inlet Resident Leon Rice said.

Among several stipulations, the law states if a film crew/cast of more than three people wants to film, the company must get a $200 permit more than 45 days prior to the commencement of filming.

"We were blindsided by this reality show that came in August, and we kinda feel like council has heard our pleas," Rice said.

"What happened, there have been hundreds of film productions in Georgetown County over the years. Never had a problem," Georgetown County Councilman Jerry Oakley.

Before the third and final reading, Councilman Oakley said he was confident the proposed law would pass.

"One week from tonight, the 22nd we will have an ordinance," Oakley said.